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Quoting Acura...they say this system is available on "high grades." So, I believe that means on the Advance and A-Spec models.
Also, a piece of info. on the componentry of the system. Years ago, Elliott teamed with Panasonic to put together the components that matched what he developed in the studio, and he has used Panasonic for the earlier
versions of the ELS system. The ELS system has always been "darn good" in my opinion, but, the latest "update" really seems to raise the bar for Acura and ELS.
Quoting Acura...they say this system is available on "high grades." So, I believe that means on the Advance and A-Spec models.
Also, a piece of info. on the componentry of the system. Years ago, Elliott teamed with Panasonic to put together the components that matched what he developed in the studio, and he has used Panasonic for the earlier
versions of the ELS system. The ELS system has always been "darn good" in my opinion, but, the latest "update" really seems to raise the bar for Acura and ELS.
The 2019 TLX has a technology package which includes ELS Studio. Hope Acura does the same with the RDX.
Ha.. my '97 TL had speakers in the ceiling too. So did the Vigors.
I'm sure you are aware that it certainly isn't about having speakers in the headliner area. This system...which will be in the Advance and A-Spec only...which is the the 3D system with 16 speakers, 16 channels and 710 watts of power,
and is the best collaboration between Acura, Panasonic and Elliot Schiener since the first, in a 2004 TL.
An ELS system with 12 speakers, 12 channels and 550 watts will be in the RDX Tech Packages. I'm sure it will sound great, but, not like the top level just designed for the RDX.
The RDX Tech. Package will have an ELS system with 12 speakers, 12 channels and 550 watts. So, it will be "different" than the TLX, but, I'm sure will sound great.
The Advance and A-Spec versions will have the "top" system....the 3D....with 16 speakers, 16 channels and 710 watts.
The RDX Tech. Package will have an ELS system with 12 speakers, 12 channels and 550 watts. So, it will be "different" than the TLX, but, I'm sure will sound great.
The Advance and A-Spec versions will have the "top" system....the 3D....with 16 speakers, 16 channels and 710 watts.
Looks like the RDX Tech package will have a speaker system very similar to the MDX Advance package.
Acura/ELS Studio 12-Speaker Audio System
The MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages features a 546-watt Acura/ELS® Studio Audio System with 12-speakers. This Elliot Scheiner-engineered system is designed to recreate the emotional experience you feel when you enjoy a live performance, regardless of where you are seated in the MDX's spacious interior.
The system has a total of 12 speakers. Each front and rear door has a 17cm full-range speaker. Separate 4 cm tweeters are positioned near the A-pillars, with an 8-cm speaker centered on the top of the instrument panel. At the rear of the MDX, there are two 8-cm speakers on the rear pillars and a 20-cm subwoofer mounted in a tuned enclosure in the right sidewall of the cargo area. For improved surround sound imaging, there are two additional 8-cm speakers mounted in the headliner, over the second row of seating as a part of the RES System.
I assume there is a USB input to connect an external drive. Anyone know if flac and/or similar lossless codecs are supported? Would be nice to be able to take full advantage of the quality sound system.
I assume there is a USB input to connect an external drive. Anyone know if flac and/or similar lossless codecs are supported? Would be nice to be able to take full advantage of the quality sound system.
A tweet from ELS Sound states that the 3D system will play .wav. and .flac files in both stereo and multichannel (4.0/4.1/5.1)
This remains to be seen and is one of the first things I will test whenever I get my butt into a showroom or test drive car.
A tweet from ELS Sound states that the 3D system will play .wav. and .flac files in both stereo and multichannel (4.0/4.1/5.1)
This remains to be seen and is one of the first things I will test whenever I get my butt into a showroom or test drive car.
Awesome. Definitely post your thoughts when you test it. I wonder how many people show up at a car dealership with a USB stick full of lossless audio to test out the car audio system? lol
Awesome. Definitely post your thoughts when you test it. I wonder how many people show up at a car dealership with a USB stick full of lossless audio to test out the car audio system? lol
Probably the same amount of people who showed up with DVD-Audio discs and, for 2017/18, DTS CDs, to test out the car audio system!
I assume there is a USB input to connect an external drive. Anyone know if flac and/or similar lossless codecs are supported? Would be nice to be able to take full advantage of the quality sound system.
As everyone is talking about USB, I got to thinking — what if I were to get a high-capacity iPod ONLY for music, but want to simultaneously use my iPhone X for all the other CarPlay functionalities...
As everyone is talking about USB, I got to thinking — what if I were to get a high-capacity iPod ONLY for music, but want to simultaneously use my iPhone X for all the other CarPlay functionalities...
Is that even possible??
That's what I use now, iPod Classic 160GB for music only and iPhone connected separately. I am hoping this dual set-up will work in RDX.
I'm doing that too and, as mentioned in another thread, I found the IPod integration to be far better than the USB stick integration in the 2018 model and it appears to still be that way in the 2019. The USB stick disclaimer in the 2019 manual is a head scratcher!
That's what I use now, iPod Classic 160GB for music only and iPhone connected separately. I am hoping this dual set-up will work in RDX.
I have an iPod Classic and have been using it in my RDX's and now in my TLX A-Spec. To me, the source of the music that is put in to the car's system certainly makes a difference on what we hear coming out
of the amazingly designed new 3D 16 speaker, 16 channel ELS sound system. I'm thinking of getting another IPod, but, with less GB....160 is way more than needed. Still, iPods are pricey...says my wife! LOL!
But, for us, I think the best source to use plugged in to the new RDX.
I have an iPod Classic and have been using it in my RDX's and now in my TLX A-Spec. To me, the source of the music that is put in to the car's system certainly makes a difference on what we hear coming out
of the amazingly designed new 3D 16 speaker, 16 channel ELS sound system. I'm thinking of getting another IPod, but, with less GB....160 is way more than needed. Still, iPods are pricey...says my wife! LOL!
But, for us, I think the best source to use plugged in to the new RDX.
No, and at this point it is all speculation and wishful thinking as to what will work with the new RDX. My main objective is to get all my FLAC files to play in the RDX while also using separate iPhone for communication and hopefully CarPlay at the same time. I am willing to convert all the FLAC files to Apple Lossless (ALAC) files for my iPod - IF - (that's a big "if") the system will let me run and control the two devices simultaneously.
No, and at this point it is all speculation and wishful thinking as to what will work with the new RDX. My main objective is to get all my FLAC files to play in the RDX while also using separate iPhone for communication and hopefully CarPlay at the same time. I am willing to convert all the FLAC files to Apple Lossless (ALAC) files for my iPod - IF - (that's a big "if") the system will let me run and control the two devices simultaneously.
OK. FWIW, I was talking to an Apple technical support person about this and I had to honestly pause for a few seconds to answer his polite question of "why do you want to do this?" He was asking that in light of my owning the 256 GB version of the iPhone X (meaning I should have plenty of space on the phone itself for my music as is). Granted, I'm sure my music collection is very modest and I'm not quite the audiophile or music connoisseur compared to you, Madd Dog, and almost everyone I know. He jokingly said, "You just want to buy an iPod, don't you?" Ha Ha.
No, and at this point it is all speculation and wishful thinking as to what will work with the new RDX. My main objective is to get all my FLAC files to play in the RDX while also using separate iPhone for communication and hopefully CarPlay at the same time. I am willing to convert all the FLAC files to Apple Lossless (ALAC) files for my iPod - IF - (that's a big "if") the system will let me run and control the two devices simultaneously.
From what I see in the manual, using two devices doesn't look doable. There is only one port shown as music and CarPlay compatible: "In the console compartment, the USB port (2.5A) is for charging devices, playing audio files and connecting compatible phones with Apple CarPlay".
The other USB ports are all labeled as "This port is for battery charge only. You cannot play music even if you have connected music players to them".
From what I see in the manual, using two devices doesn't look doable. There is only one port shown as music and CarPlay compatible: "In the console compartment, the USB port (2.5A) is for charging devices, playing audio files and connecting compatible phones with Apple CarPlay".
The other USB ports are all labeled as "This port is for battery charge only. You cannot play music even if you have connected music players to them".
If that is the case, then hopefully I can connect phone via Bluetooth for calls and use USB for iPod. 90% of my driving is without need of navigation and Advance comes with factory navigation, so should be doable. Taking advantage of that nice ELS sound system is my main goal as long as I retain a hands-free phone interface.
If that is the case, then hopefully I can connect phone via Bluetooth for calls and use USB for iPod. 90% of my driving is without need of navigation and Advance comes with factory navigation, so should be doable. Taking advantage of that nice ELS sound system is my main goal as long as I retain a hands-free phone interface.
For what it's worth, the combination you mention works just fine on the 2018.
Just got back from the local unveiling and tried the ELS system in the Tech, A-Spec and Advance. Had a USB thumb drive with various test files. 16/44.1 and 24/96 stereo FLAC files play fine. Could not get 5.0 or 5.1 FLAC files to play (displayed an error on the screen). Strangely a 4.0 FLAC file played but not in surround... only in stereo. 16/44.1 and 24/96 5.1 WAV files also played but only in stereo. I also had a 16/44.1 5.1 DTS file but that just played static which is normal if DTS decoding isn't available.
The system sounded very nice with the stereo FLAC files and the car is very sharp. I'll probably pick one up if they fix the surround file playback and get Android Auto working.
Just got back from the local unveiling and tried the ELS system in the Tech, A-Spec and Advance. Had a USB thumb drive with various test files. 16/44.1 and 24/96 stereo FLAC files play fine. Could not get 5.0 or 5.1 FLAC files to play (displayed an error on the screen). Strangely a 4.0 FLAC file played but not in surround... only in stereo. 16/44.1 and 24/96 5.1 WAV files also played but only in stereo. I also had a 16/44.1 5.1 DTS file but that just played static which is normal if DTS decoding isn't available.
The system sounded very nice with the stereo FLAC files and the car is very sharp. I'll probably pick one up if they fix the surround file playback and get Android Auto working.
Just got back from the local unveiling and tried the ELS system in the Tech, A-Spec and Advance. Had a USB thumb drive with various test files. 16/44.1 and 24/96 stereo FLAC files play fine. Could not get 5.0 or 5.1 FLAC files to play (displayed an error on the screen). Strangely a 4.0 FLAC file played but not in surround... only in stereo. 16/44.1 and 24/96 5.1 WAV files also played but only in stereo. I also had a 16/44.1 5.1 DTS file but that just played static which is normal if DTS decoding isn't available.
The system sounded very nice with the stereo FLAC files and the car is very sharp. I'll probably pick one up if they fix the surround file playback and get Android Auto working.
What percentage of RDX buyers know what you're talking about? LOL
That's the kind of detail most potential buyers will never notice even if they test drive the vehicle a few times. That's why I started the "Any negative points?" thread.
Does Acura/ELS usually support all those formats? If so, hopefully an update will be available later. If not, this will just become another annoyance we must live with, while waiting for the PERFECT vehicle. LOL
I have zero clue what that all means. I plug in my Iphone and either listen to that or my favorite XM stations (Beatles and 80's top my list). As long as it sounds good, I'm fine with it. I have zero clue what all these files mean. No car is going to have everything you need, especially at this price point. There is always "give and take" when buying a car.
Just got back from the local unveiling and tried the ELS system in the Tech, A-Spec and Advance. Had a USB thumb drive with various test files. 16/44.1 and 24/96 stereo FLAC files play fine. Could not get 5.0 or 5.1 FLAC files to play (displayed an error on the screen). Strangely a 4.0 FLAC file played but not in surround... only in stereo. 16/44.1 and 24/96 5.1 WAV files also played but only in stereo. I also had a 16/44.1 5.1 DTS file but that just played static which is normal if DTS decoding isn't available.
The system sounded very nice with the stereo FLAC files and the car is very sharp. I'll probably pick one up if they fix the surround file playback and get Android Auto working.
thanks for the info but way too much details. No one cares about all this man.
I promise you 90% of buyers will look at:
-Engine size/driving dynamic
-Gas consumption
-Some cool features like Pano, dual zone climate, wood, aluminum, leather seatséadjustments
-Cargo space
-Easy of infotainment
-Color
-It's funny but most people think HP = Powerful car and good. People ignore the car weight, torque and etc.
To the details that we discuss here, represent only 10% of the buyers. Last time I was talking to my friend who owns a Q5 about stitched dash and he had no clue lol.
thanks for the info but way too much details. No one cares about all this man.
I promise you 90% of buyers will look at:
-Engine size/driving dynamic
-Gas consumption
-Some cool features like Pano, dual zone climate, wood, aluminum, leather seatséadjustments
-Cargo space
-Easy of infotainment
-Color
-It's funny but most people think HP = Powerful car and good. People ignore the car weight, torque and etc.
To the details that we discuss here, represent only 10% of the buyers. Last time I was talking to my friend who owns a Q5 about stitched dash and he had no clue lol.
Agreed. These guys may as well be speaking Greekanese because I have no idea what they're saying. I would think audiophiles of all people should know a car isn't going to sound like a recording studio.
I love me some good home theater sound, I have a 5.2.1 Dolby Atmos set up at home for movies, but for a car, 16 speakers and 700+ watts is all that matter's to me. I'm just going to play off my iPhone so different audio codecs don't matter, even though I know they're technically inferior.
I love me some good home theater sound, I have a 5.2.1 Dolby Atmos set up at home for movies, but for a car, 16 speakers and 700+ watts is all that matter's to me. I'm just going to play off my iPhone so different audio codecs don't matter, even though I know they're technically inferior.
If you don't mind MP3, go for it. Although once you go FLAC, you never go back!
Superblast was testing info that was tweeted by ELS themselves with regard to the 2019 RDX. Playing surround files was something that those previous Acura drivers who used the former DVD-Audio and DTS CD capability would be interested in. For those owners who only care about bluetoothing in their cell phone to source their music, they have nothing to worry about. Some people want more than that.
I would like to do both. iPod for normal listening, 5.1 surround files for special stuff. Why design a super audio system with speakers all over the place and not make it play more than two channels. It's a waste.
Besides, this thread is about the 3D Sound System, not the car.
Yeah, I admit it's probably .00001 percent of RDX buyers who give a crap about surround sound in the car but that was one of the main reasons I bought my 2007 RDX. I had a long commute at the time so I figured why not have a good sound system to make the ride more bearable. I think some of you would change your tune if you heard a good DVD-A, like Eagles' Hotel California in a 1G RDX or a TL. Elliot Scheiner (who helped design the ELS studio system) did some superb surround mixes btw.
I think everyone wants a good sounds system but I am 99% sure people won’t stop buying if RDX won’t play a file format lol. Nowadays, everyone streams music via Bluetooth.
04-29-2018, 10:32 PM
ELS System availability
ELS in RDX Tech Pkg.
